The 2025 NHL free agent frenzy and signing period has been nothing short of fulfilling. Today we discuss a couple depth building moves the Edmonton Oilers made. Riley Stillman, defenceman, and Matt Tomkins, goaltender, were both offered identical contracts. They are league-minimum, $775k salaries, for two-year, two-way deals. Impressed? If they make the club, all Oiler fans will be.
Edmonton Oilers add organizational depth with UFA D-man Riley Stillman, G Matt Tompkins https://t.co/Y0YROgbuCM pic.twitter.com/AaLhzqWC04
— Edmonton Journal (@edmontonjournal) July 1, 2025
A Pair of Two-Way Edmonton Oilers Contract Signings
Edmonton does have a bit of a history of simply taking reclamation projects. Furthermore, it seems they don’t necessary have to fit a system, just have speed, play tough, and have a little bit of finish. Doesn’t really apply here for Tomkins, but maybe he can steal you a few run-and-gun-style games, equivalent logic. From recent times, Corey Perry and Vasily Podkolzin are excellent examples, even if at a slightly-different level of expectations.
Riley Stillman was originally drafted by the Florida Panthers, in the fourth round of 2016. He hasn’t really been able to catch on as a full-time NHLer. Hence, the two-way deal. Stillman is 27 years old and is ready for an opportunity. Moreover, he has played 163 games so far in his NHL career. He has four goals, 22 assists, totaling 26 points. His career average of ice time is 15:33 and his CF% Rel is -2.3 at even strength. Maybe the pace of play that the Oilers play at is just what the doctor ordered. He still has time to develop in to a regular by defencemen’s standards, but the time is now.
Oddly enough, some of those comments carry over for goalie Matt Tomkins. Tomkins played six career NHL games thus far. Of note, he was the Canadian goalie in the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games, appearing in five contests. He has played everywhere from the ECHL to the Swedish-Elite League. At 31-years-old, if his time isn’t now, when will it be? Can someone say Dwayne Roloson? Tomkins has size at 6’4″ and can be a puck stopper. Given the two-way deal aspect, he’s worth the gamble.
Main Photo Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
